Lillydahl, Sandy (photographer)

Topes de Collante: View of school complex, 1970

"Topes de Collante was formerly a tuberculosis sanitarium that was converted into a rural boarding school complex after the
revolution. The photo shows the main building surrounded by reforestation plantings of eucalyptus trees underplanted with
coffee bushes and malangas, a potato like starchy vegetable. This edible landscaping was the result of food shortages caused
both by the US embargo and Cuba's need to export cash crops for cash. Malangas, crackers and guava juice made up the special
'diarrhea diet' for afflicted Brigadistas. The Cubans believed in combining work and study, and the reforestation program
was carried out by students and faculty at the school."